If Kasparov started at 40..

Hypothetically, if Kasparov (and the like) had only learnt to play Chess at 40 he probably would never have become world champ but top 100 perhaps..?

no.

surely if you have innate talent such as his you would at least become a strong GM?

Originally posted by plopzilla
surely if you have innate talent such as his you would at least become a strong GM?

I think you overestimate talent. It takes years of hard work to get that good at something. I'm sure he would become a Grandmaster but that title is so devalued now. How many Grandmasters are there? I don't know but it must be many thousands.

Originally posted by plopzilla
Hypothetically, if Kasparov (and the like) had only learnt to play Chess at 40 he probably would never have become world champ but top 100 perhaps..?

He would not have made it to master level, I think.

It can't be done. I am living proof.

It is something you are born with just like running fast, throwing 100mph, powerlifting, math, etc.

If you take a chess player with equal natural ability the one that trained the most would in all probability be the winner. But an average person can train all they want but will never be kasparov.
Just like every other great athlete in every other sport.

Zhao Zong Yuan completed the requirements to become a grandmaster in two months - a process that normally takes several years.

Originally posted by HighTorque
It is something you are born with just like running fast, throwing 100mph, powerlifting, math, etc.

If you take a chess player with equal natural ability the one that trained the most would in all probability be the winner. But an average person can train all they want but will never be kasparov.
Just like every other great athlete in every other sport.

I disagree

Show me an athlete that made it to kasparov's, capablanca's, fischer's, or even Carlsen's level with average ability. These people are born with a natural ability to understand the complexity of chess. Do they get better with training? Of course. But people like me and you luke myster will never be that good.... we couldn't even compete with these people when they were 10 years old.

Originally posted by HighTorque
Show me an athlete that made it to kasparov's, capablanca's, fischer's, or even Carlsen's level with average ability. These people are born with a natural ability to understand the complexity of chess. Do they get better with training? Of course. But people like me and you luke myster will never be that good.... we couldn't even compete with these people when they were 10 years old.

The Polgar sisters.

Q

Originally posted by HighTorque
Show me an athlete that made it to kasparov's, capablanca's, fischer's, or even Carlsen's level with average ability. These people are born with a natural ability to understand the complexity of chess. Do they get better with training? Of course. But people like me and you luke myster will never be that good.... we couldn't even compete with these people when they were 10 years old.

I believe all the greats started young and played without a break on their
way to greatness. I believe starting at a young age makes a great
difference. Also being able to concentratate on chess only without having
to spend a great deal of time on other work, etc. and without having a
long break between competitive chess play makes a great difference.

judit polgar vs kasparov


kasparov wins 12 times, loses 1 and draws 4

I wouldn't call that being on the same level.

Originally posted by HighTorque
Show me an athlete that made it to kasparov's, capablanca's, fischer's, or even Carlsen's level with average ability. These people are born with a natural ability to understand the complexity of chess. Do they get better with training? Of course. But people like me and you luke myster will never be that good.... we couldn't even compete with these people when they were 10 years old.

Your right to a certain extent but i believe that an average player could make it to that level if they trained harder than anyone else.

Plus I don't think any of us average players beat our first grandmaster at 11 years old. I wouldn't say she is too average.